Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Normality

 Normality is often a social construct imposed by society, rather than a universal standard. Change over time. What is considered normal within a culture can shift over time as societies evolve.

Different cultures have different social norms, values, and expectations that shape what is viewed as normal behavior. For example, queuing behaviors or eye contact norms differ between cultures. What is considered "normal" in one culture may be seen as abnormal in another.  The level at which a behavior or experience becomes problematic differs across cultures, social settings, and communities.


The concept of normality differs across cultures in several keyways:


Moral judgments: Perceptions of what constitutes moral or immoral behavior can vary significantly between cultures, influencing views of normality. Considering the broader impact of your actions on society and the environment is an important aspect of ethical conduct.


Hierarchical vs. Egalitarian: Variations in how different cultures view and respect authority and social hierarchies. In the emerging digital age with the nature of hyperconnectivity, nonlinearity, and interdependence, the overly rigid hierarchy becomes the very obstacle to stop the digital flow and stifle innovation.


Collectivism vs. individualism: More collectivist cultures tend to perceive norm violations as more immoral and enact more social control compared to individualistic cultures. Personal achievement vs. Group harmony: Some cultures prioritize individual success, while others emphasize group cohesion.


The boundaries between normality and pathology vary across cultures for specific behaviors and experiences. Normality is often a social construct imposed by society, rather than a universal standard. Change over time. What is considered normal within a culture can shift over time as societies evolve. In essence, the concept of normality is heavily influenced by cultural factors, social norms, and contextual elements specific to each society. This highlights the importance of considering cultural differences when assessing behaviors or experiences as normal or abnormal.



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